Positive Organisational Psychologist and Executive Coach

Leading authority in applied positive psychology and wellbeing at work

Dr Ilona Boniwell is a leading figure in positive organisational psychology and executive coaching, with over 25 years of experience in research, teaching, and consultancy. She has written or edited 12 books, delivered over 300 keynote speeches, including a TEDx talk, and has a Google Scholar h-index of 36. She has taught and trained tens of thousands of business leaders, HR professionals, trainers, and consultants worldwide, using an approach that blends experiential learning, gamification, and thoughtfully crafted pedagogical design.

Her expertise includes positive psychology, coaching psychology, positive organisational psychology, organisational behaviour, leadership, change management and positive education, with research interests spanning resilience, time perspective, eudaimonic wellbeing, and the measurement of wellbeing and engagement at work.

Ilona is a Visiting Professor at Oxford Brookes University and Musashino University, a Faculty member of the VIA Institute of Character, CEO of Positran, founder and first Chair of the European Network of Positive Psychology (ENPP), a Board member of the International Positive Psychology Association (IPPA), and co-editor of the Applied Positive Psychology Journal.

Contribution to BrainWaves
Ilona supports BrainWaves’ mission through her expertise in applied positive psychology, leadership development, and wellbeing science, contributing research-informed insights and practical tools to advance mental health, engagement, and sustainable performance.